Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw was pleased with Braker's last outing, which came in an 89-38 victory against Seton Hall on Tuesday.

"I'm really pleased with the rebounds," McGraw said. "She had six rebounds in only 16 minutes. Defense is also one of Ariel's strengths. She's looking good on defense. She can help us in the press. She just needs more time on the point to get comfortable."

Although Braker was a prolific scorer in high school, the way she scored isn't available to her at the collegiate level.

"I feel like I'm not used to scoring how I did in high school," Braker said. "The guards are a lot quicker. I can't be the driver I was in high school. I have to be a back-to-the-basket post. I'm trying to work on that. I'm trying to work on solid post moves that I can have, something that I can score on when I get the ball.

"Obviously, right now, they don't really need me to do a lot of scoring, with all the people we have who can score. I need to work on passing, looking for open high-low, and being strong with the ball so I can make a good pass."

McGraw figures it's just a matter of time before Braker contributes more points.

"I think offensively, she needs more time," McGraw said. "She's still finding her role. It's always a process when you come off the bench. It's always a little bit harder to find out where you fit.

"Ariel is getting more reps at practice. I think she's waiting for her opportunity. We definitely need her in the Big East Tournament, where you can have three games in three days. Not having a deep bench can hurt you."

Braker hopes to make the most of her opportunity.

"When I go in, I need to get the ball to someone who can score, and I need to rebound and play defense,'' Braker said. "If the team needs to count on me for one thing, it would probably be rebounding. I think that's one part of my game that I feel like is an automatic. That's what coach thinks when she looks at me, I'm someone who can go in and get some boards."

According to Braker, Irish star post Devereaux Peters has been a big influence in helping her develop her game.

"Dev and I have a lot of the same roles, because we're built alike," Braker said. "Whenever she's not in the game, that is my spot on defense, the one up there to try and cause deflections and turnovers."

"At times, it's frustrating for me, but as I start to get it, it gets easier," Braker said. "Plus, at Notre Dame they help you in all areas with the transition to college, not just basketball. They give us enough resources. You can always get help if you need it, in both basketball and academics, If you're struggling, you always have someone who can help out, or you can ask people on the team, because they've been through it. They know the freshman year is the toughest to adjust to."